Reduction 7... but no bonuses to Armor TN from Armor. A Spider Bushi can wear heavy armor, stack kiho, AND stack his school bonuses to get Reduction well over that. Indeed, that's what I intend to do with Daichi in the Harvest game, hah. But yeah, literally acetic, meanings distinct lack of extra gear. Though I'm tempted to try and get a no-dachi as it seems like a fun guy, swinging around a massive sword in basic clothes.

Also, each ronin 'technique' is technique a seperate path and group. Using one is just saying you learned from the others OR have a technique that just happens to be the same. In a way, it's like Mugen making up his random style, just made it up as he went along. Many holes, but crazy enough to work.

That said, there are two other ideas... one I think that would work hilarious with the party. A Daidoji Scout, from Great Clans, or a Tsuruchi Bounty Hunter, likely working with or even AGAINST the magistrate and trying to chase down the ronin. Would be a very interesting party.

There is also the Silent Blade, if you're a sneaky sort, for Rank 2. Start as whatever, move to this one after, and then find the next technique.
Requirements: Ninjutsu 3+, Stealth 3+
Technique: Black Hearts, Red Blades – The Silent
Blades are not completely without skill as assassins.
If you are attacking an opponent who is unaware of
your presence (for example, a foe you have defeated
with a Contested Stealth Skill Roll to remain unde-
tected), you may add your Stealth Skill Rank to the
total of all attack and damage rolls made against that
opponent for the duration of this skirmish.

Amora, by the by, what do you think of a Vitriolic Buddy Cop duo, if there is a nix on the Taoist? Magistrate and Bounty Hunter, Yin and Yang, all that fun stuff. Rokugan needs more buddy cop movies.